DMK alliance set for massive TN win, no hung Assembly: VCK's Thirumavalavan
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan on Sunday, 3 May firmly dismissed speculation of a hung Assembly in Tamil Nadu, asserting that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance is on course for a "massive victory" in the state elections. Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport after returning from Bengaluru, Thirumavalavan said his confidence was rooted in direct ground-level feedback gathered across the campaign trail.
Ground Assessment and Campaign Feedback
Thirumavalavan said he had personally interacted with voters in over 40 constituencies, and that the response indicated a strong wave in favour of the DMK-led alliance. He pointed to most post-poll surveys as corroborating his reading, while acknowledging that a few had projected alternative outcomes.
"Most post-poll surveys have pointed to a clear victory for the alliance. While a few have projected alternative outcomes, the overall trend suggests that the DMK will form the government on its own and continue in power," Thirumavalavan said.
On VCK Cadre Criticism: A Clarification
Responding to reports that he had criticised VCK cadre for inadequately supporting alliance partners in certain constituencies, Thirumavalavan said his remarks had been misread. He maintained that the comments were intended as internal organisational guidance — not a sweeping rebuke.
"I referred only to a few constituencies where improvements were needed. Such observations are part of routine organisational feedback, but some are attempting to exaggerate them to create confusion within the alliance," he said, adding that efforts to destabilise the DMK alliance had not succeeded.
Rejecting the Vijay Factor and Hung Assembly Talk
Thirumavalavan also pushed back against narratives suggesting that actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay could emerge as a decisive power centre or that Tamil Nadu was headed for a fractured mandate. He alleged that such claims were being driven by "right-wing groups" and betting syndicates seeking to shape public perception ahead of results.
"Before the elections, betting trends favoured the DMK. After polling, the focus shifted to Vijay. These are rumours generated by gambling syndicates, and the truth will be known when results are declared," he said. He also questioned the credibility of a former police official reportedly backing Vijay's prospects.
Social Media Amplification Under Scrutiny
Criticising digital platforms, Thirumavalavan argued that social media was disproportionately projecting Vijay's popularity while suppressing dissenting voices. Drawing parallels with earlier political entrants such as Vijayakanth, Vaiko, and S. Ramadoss, he noted that the current scale of online projection was unprecedented, driven by the rapid expansion of digital media.
"Not all youth support Vijay. Many have voted against him, but such voices are not amplified. Social media often projects one individual as a hero while ignoring dissenting opinions," he added.
With Tamil Nadu election results awaited, all eyes will be on whether the ground-level wave Thirumavalavan describes translates into the decisive mandate the DMK alliance is banking on.